By Johnson Adebowale
Presidential candidate for Labour Party (LP) Peter Obi and other stakeholders have called for a more serious approach to national security.
The stakeholders emphasized that security is the cornerstone of development.
They made this call at the weekend during the inauguration and lecture series organized by the League of Anambra Professionals (LAP) in Lagos, with the theme; “Technology and innovation in security management: The future of policing in Anambra State.”
Speaking on the issue, Obi stressed that failing in security equates to failing the nation. He urged all levels of government, national, states and local, to prioritize security measures while also investing in key sectors such as education, healthcare, and poverty alleviation.
“We need to take the issue of security more seriously. It is a critical component of development, and you must secure your country. If you fail in the area of security, you have failed the nation,” Obi stated.
He highlighted that strategic investments in education, health, and economic empowerment are essential for national progress.
“When you do that, it is critical. Everybody knows that there are trajectories that drive development. You must invest in it,” he added.
In his lecture, former head of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Osita Chidoka, lauded Anambra State’s new Homeland Security Law, describing it as a transformational shift in security governance.
The law, he said, spearheaded by Anambra State Governor, aims to embed security into the fabric of communities, making both citizens and institutions accountable for crime prevention.
According to Chidoka, the law represents a significant departure from traditional security approaches, emphasizing proactive measures over reactive responses. One of its key provisions, Clause 14, mandates tenant registration, an initiative he describes as one of the law’s most valuable aspects.
He stated that while the South East remains Nigeria’s safest region, crime rates, particularly kidnappings, have risen in Anambra.
“Between July 2023 and June 2024, Nigeria recorded 1,030 criminal proceedings, with 7,560 people abducted. Kidnappers demanded N10.9 billion in ransom but received only N1.05 billion, about 9 per cent of the total requests.
“The North West remains the epicenter of Nigeria’s kidnapping crisis, with Zamfara (132 incidents), Kaduna (113), and Katsina (119) leading in cases. The South East, in contrast, recorded 240 kidnappings, the lowest of any region. However, Anambra recorded one of the highest ransom payments in Nigeria due to the high profile nature of its kidnappings and the availability of cash,” he said.
Chidoka emphasized that crime is evolving, making a fragmented, reactive security approach obsolete. He called for a coordinated, data-driven intelligence network, asserting that security is not just about weapons and surveillance technology but also about community re-orientation.
Citing the October 7, Hamas attack on Israel, Chidoka stressed that even with advanced security technology, threats persist if underlying societal issues are not addressed. He noted that Governor Soludo has correctly identified a moral crisis in Anambra, where the pursuit of quick wealth has led to an erosion of values.
He cited key provisions of the Homeland Security Law which is mandatory tenant registration (Clause 14); monthly security reports (Clause 13); community and institutional accountability.
Chidoka said that Anambra’s approach could serve as a national model;urging Nigeria to institutionalize community accountability. He emphasized that a society built on hard work, moral values, and structured law enforcement is essential for sustainable security and economic growth.
“No government can succeed in fighting crime without the cooperation of communities, religious institutions, and traditional leaders,” he stated, calling for a zero-tolerance policy against crime while advocating for a fair and just system.
He added that with the Anambra Homeland Security Law, the state moves towards a proactive security strategy, one that aligns community responsibility with law enforcement, setting a precedent for the rest of Nigeria.
The Governor of Anambra State, Charles Soludo, underscored the critical role of technology in enhancing security and identity management within the state.
On the need for improved surveillance and monitoring, the governor, who was represented by the Special Adviser on Security Matters, AVM Ben Chiobi (Rtd), noted that knowing one’s neighbors and tracking guests in hotels through advanced technology could significantly enhance security.
“By the time you know your neighbour, by the time you know the guest who is going to lodge in your hotel, and all these other things, and you grind it with technology, what is going to happen?” the governor stated.
He acknowledged the challenges faced in implementing the National Identity Management system but expressed confidence that the newly signed Homeland Security Law 2025 provides a comprehensive framework to address security concerns.
“With the kind of challenges we face in our state, the Homeland Security Law 2025 has laid down all the groundwork, all the things we need to do,” the governor added.
The newly inaugurated president of LAP, Nnamdi Obi, emphasized the need for collaborative efforts in tackling security challenges across Nigeria, particularly in Anambra State.
He highlighted the pressing issues facing the nation and the state, explaining that the choice of discussion topics during the event was aimed at addressing contemporary challenges.
“You are aware of the fact that we have so many challenges in Nigeria, and in our state in particular. So, that is why we chose that very topic, where we address contemporary issues,” he stated.
The new administration is expected to push for enhanced security measures in Anambra, leveraging digital tools for movement tracking, identity verification, and crime prevention. Obi stressed that security solutions require a united approach from all residents.
“There has to be a collaborative effort in addressing the security challenges we’re having nationwide. It must have to be done by us all. It’s never a one-man show,” he said.
He urged Anambra State inhabitants to actively participate in efforts to improve security, stating, “We cannot best support him because all of us are Anambra State inhabitants. We must have to put our hands, because we are on deck, to address whatever issue, including security challenges. We give him all the necessary support to achieve the desired goal.”
Earlier, the LAP president’s call for unity in tackling security concerns aligns with broader efforts to enhance safety and governance in the state.
Chairman of MTN, Ernest Ndukwe, in his opening remarks,emphasized the need for a focused approach to development in Anambra State, advocating for investment in education, technology, and leadership training.
Ndukwe stated that while it was tempting to pursue multiple initiatives, it was crucial for the executive to concentrate on key areas that will yield the highest impact.
“We must not be everything to everybody. If we spread our brand name too wide, we may lack the manpower and capacity to achieve everything. However, if we focus on a few areas and become known for them, our chances of success will be higher,” he said.
Ndukwe underscored the importance of nurturing the next generation of professionals in Anambra, urging LAP initiatives to take up the responsibility.
“Maybe LAP should look into developing the next set of professionals for Anambra. It’s very important. That’s one key assignment I would like to give,” he suggested.
The telecoms executive also highlighted the critical role of information technology in shaping the future, stressing that advancements in security, medicine, and law depend on technological literacy.
“Today, people who cannot use technology are actually semi-illiterates. It is so important that we continue to educate and train our people in modern science and technology,” Ndukwe added.
He further called for greater participation of Anambra and Igbo professionals in national leadership, warning that without proper investment in education and leadership development, the region may struggle to produce candidates for key positions in government and the private sector.
“We must be part of those producing the next set of leaders for this country. Otherwise, when it is time to select people, it will be difficult to find an Anambra or Igbo person for essential positions,” he cautioned.